What is an Advance Reader Copy?

What is an Advanced Reader Copy?

An advanced reader copy (or ARC) is an early version of a book that is shared ahead of publication. It will probably still have some design work to complete and typos to take in but it still has a purpose.

Most authors will have a book launch team. It’ll be a list of names, sometimes book bloggers or peers in the genre, or people who have signed up to their mailing list. Their role is to provide a review on the launch day or prior to it. It’s other purpose is to get the book into reviewers hands so they can get feedback on the manuscript.

These reviewers can be given an advanced reader copy. If printed, it will have a softcover, stamped to explain that it is not a final version of the book, and almost certainly will contain errors.

To get a printed version, authors can load to KDP if that’s the chosen method of print and produce proof copies. These will have Not For Resale in large letters on the cover. The other option is to print a short run with a book printer like Clays or The Langham Press.

Many authors use NetGalley to share their books - members of this site have to pre-register their interest. It’s important to appreciate that there are often more manuscripts that members so it’s important to make the book accessible to them, have a physical copy if required to send and show the best example of work or the section that’s most relevant.

It’s a good idea to use the time when the book is being edited and designed to create a list of potential reviewers - it’s never too early. Are there book bloggers in your genre? Social media influencers? If you have a website, you should have a mailing list too.

Top tip

I can help you with providing an ARC in print or ebook, and with your website and mailing list set up too. Let’s have a chat.